Superstorm Sandy Anniversary: One Year Later

Superstorm Sandy Anniversary: One Year Later

Superstorm Sandy slammed into New York and New Jersey one year ago today. The storm even caused damage here in Rochester.

Superstorm Sandy slammed into New York and New Jersey one year ago today. The storm even caused damage here in Rochester.

On this one year anniversary, local firefighters are reflecting on their efforts to help. The North Greece Fire Department responded immediately. For six days, they helped firefighters on Long Island.

Today, it's calm on Lake Ontario, but last year at this time, it was a different story for the people who live on Beach Avenue in Greece.

"It started out really, really windy and wavy," said Lori Kauffman.

Superstorm Sandy hit Rochester.

"It was spooky because all of a sudden everything goes black and eery," said Kauffman.

While Rochester was affected by power outages and fallen trees, Long Island needed immediate help. The North Greece Fire Department responded.

18 firefighters made their way to Freeport in Nassau County. One year later, they still remember every detail.

"All the fuel oil was all washed up on shore. Boats, cars overturned, power lines down, so it was something that you kind of see out of a movie...just the devastation," said Lt. John Short of the North Greece Fire Department.

Helping was something that came naturally to these local firefighters...their brotherhood instincts kicked in.

"Certainly if we were encountered by a bad snowstorm or a significant event like that, those folks down in Long Island have already called us and said they want to be first on the list to help us," said Short.

"It was a devastating site. It was a humbling experience to see what those people have to go through, but I was glad to be there and offer any help that we could," said firefighter Jason Klein.

"We made some connections. Some people that we will always be friends with, so it brings back a lot of memories," said Klein.

Copyright 2013 Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.